Onyekachi Eze 
The former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has advised the Federal Government against attempt to arrest those behind planned nationwide protest against bad governance in the country, saying even supporters of President Bola Tinubu are among the organisers.
Atiku in a statement on his X handle on Tuesday, said it amounts to chasing shadow trying to arrest those behind the planned #EndBadGovernance protest from August 1.
He also said the right of the citizens to protest is enshrined in the constitution
“For the avoidance of doubt, the rights of citizens to protest are enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution and affirmed by our courts.
“Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution (as altered) unequivocally guarantees the right to peaceful assembly and association,” Atiku said.
He accused the Federal Government of attempt to scuttle the planned protest, and said “it is ironic that those who are stifling rights today led protests in 2012.”
Atiku stated that it is obvious that Nigerians, “including supporters of Tinubu and the ruling APC, are caught up in the hunger, anger, and hopelessness brought about by the incompetence and cluelessness of this government.”
The former vice president maintained that “A responsible government must ensure a safe and secure environment for citizens to exercise their constitutionally guaranteed rights to peaceful protest.
“Any attempt to suppress these rights is not only unconstitutional but a direct affront to our democracy.”
He also expressed concern at the conflict between the Dangote Refinery and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), emphasising the importance of the multibillion dollar investment to the economy of the country.
Atiku warned that investors would not trust any nation that undermines key assets, adding, “The conflict between @AlikoDangote and @NMDPRA_Official is troubling.
“The Dangote Refinery, our nation’s largest private investment, is crucial for Nigeria’s energy and economic stability.
“The 650,000 bpd refinery is essential for our energy needs and economic stability, and NNPCL’s investment underscores its importance.
“If we neglect this, we risk deterring vital foreign direct investment.
“No investor will trust a nation that undermines its key assets.
“Protecting significant investments like Dangote’s is essential to attract FDI and drive our economic growth.”
